. . . . Someone standing on your porch looking at your front door while waiting for you to answer the doorbell deciding just what kind of taste you have. You know what they say . . . you never get a second chance to make a first impression. This gateway into your home is nerve center of every house. It has a power all its own! The door grants protection, offers first impressions, and allows someone to cross from the outside to the inside your very life.

Now that’s important.

Door Knocker

Not paying enough attention to door hardware and fittings may prove costly to any homeowner. Investing in hardware for your door is desirable as it will add value to your home, permit you to sleep well at night knowing you and your loved ones are safe, and has potential to say just who you are to those that do not know you. Not to mention granting your home a pleasant visual appearance.

House Number

After choosing the door itself, the accessories to enhance the style are the next choices you must make. Things to decide upon and get ordered early are bolts,hinges, door knobs or door pulls, door knocker or doorbell, door stops, and finally door mail slot or mail box. You know, while you’re at it, you might consider going ahead and ordering your house numbers just so you’re sure they’ll match and you’re satisfied.

Manufacturers of door hardware are well aware of this aspect and strive to offer only the best possible products. Many companies produce door hardware made of solid brass, but can offer even gold plated brass, should a client have such demands. In order to meet the clients’ needs, producers struggle to offer door hardware that would perfectly suit the type of building it is created for. There are some companies that produce door hardware from antique black iron and flat black iron. Some of the best producers, that have been active for hundreds of years, still use the old manufacturing techniques as they did in the past. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! They understand the old ways are the best for strength and durability. It gives their products the authentic look that many homeowners strive for.

Flower Doorbell

A beautiful door is a terrible thing to mangle with poor door hardware choices!! It isn’t uncommon for buildings to be disfigured by people who install totally inappropriate door hardware. Manufacturers can create exact replicas of the original ironmongery, using the same production methods and molds. Instead, many opt for cheaper versions that appear similar to the original ones. At a closer look, one can observe the poor finnishes and the fake patina that producers strive to incorporate.

In the all encompassing goal of refacing or replacing your kitchen cabinets, homeowners tend to completely overlook the hardware they’re going to use (the door and drawer pulls) until the last minute. Usually this cabinet hardware is prominently featured next to the cabinet displays in major home improvement stores, but even then people either overlook it or ignore it. The differences between one style and another can make a major difference in the overall visual effect.

Ask yourself, do you want the hardware to blend with your cabinets or stand out as an accent piece? Perhaps you want something in between.

Round kitchen cabinet knobs produce a different impression than oblong or elongated handles. Shiny hardware gives a different statement than muted finishes. Homeowners who mix the two styles will usually stick with one style for doors and the other for drawers. You don’t want to mix and match styles however. Do you best to stick with matching pieces for a complete look.

Generally its best to visit a hardware store so you can easily compare the handles and knobs available, and match them for size and color against your cabinet doors and drawers. It can be very difficult to look at a picture of a door handle and know if it’s going to provide the right visual effect in your kitchen. Your computer monitor resolution could be set so that it appears larger or smaller than actual size, and the colors available may be different from real life.

If you do find hardware in a store that you like, write down the item numbers and prices. You could take that information to the internet and search for the numbers to see if they are available at a cheaper price online. Be sure to factor in shipping and the total volume of pieces you need. Some suppliers requie you to buy a certain number of pieces to meet a minimum quota, others have high shipping fees. Online shopping is best when searching for highly unique pieces that are not among common stock materials at your local store

Home remodeling can be a big task to take one for any homeowner. Deciding how you want your house to look requires a lot of research and shopping around to find the perfect design elements and furniture. Just like every other room in the house, when it comes to remodeling a kitchen there are numerous decisions that need to be made. From what type of flooring or kitchen countertops you want to install to the type of cabinets and cabinet hardware you want to use, each decision is equally important to get your dream kitchen.

When it comes to choosing the right kitchen cabinet hardware for your house there are numerous factors to consider. One of the first decisions that needs to be made is what type of material and finish you would like the hardware to be made of. There are numerous finishes to choose from such as oil rubbed bronze, satin or weathered nickel, antique copper, polished brass and matte black. When it comes to choosing the material and finish you would like to use there is no right or wrong answer.

One thing to keep in mind when you are choosing the finish and material you would like your cabinet knobs to be made from is to make sure that you are consistent. If you choose to use satin nickel for your kitchen sink faucet and lighting fixtures, than you are most likely going to want to go with satin nickel for the cabinet hardware in your kitchen. Making sure that all of the hardware on your kitchen matches the other accessories in the room is a small detail that needs to be taken into consideration. You can even go one step further and make sure that your bathroom cabinet hardware matches the hardware that is in your kitchen.

Once you have chosen what type of finish and material you would like your kitchen hardware made out of the next step is to choose the actual design of the pieces. There are a number of ways to go about this, but ultimately it boils down to your own preference when it comes to kitchen design. Kitchen cabinet pulls and knobs come in a variety of different designs, shapes and sizes. If you have intricately designed cabinets then homeowners are better off going with simple and sleek handles. If your goal is to spice up the plain kitchen cabinets with the hardware, then you can choose knobs and pulls with intricate designs.

Updating your kitchen cabinets with hardware is a great way to get a new look in your kitchen without paying a fortunate. By updating all of the knobs and the pulls in the kitchen you can make old cabinets look like brand new. You can also update the cabinets by putting a fresh coat of paint or even stain on them. The kitchen cabinets will look like you spent a great deal of money on them, but your wallet will show that you actually saved a great deal of money.

Are you tired of your plain, dull design in your bathroom, bedrooms or kitchen? With the continually downward slump of the economy, you probably think you cannot possibly afford a home renovation project. But what many homeowners do not realize is that – yes – a home renovation project can be affordable and spice up the design of your room instantly! Don’t believe it? By simply updating your old, worn cabinet knobs, you can transform any design from boring to beautiful.

Gather Your Tools
Unlike most home hardware installations, replacing your knobs and pulls in any room does not require the help of an experienced professional. Count that as money well saved already! Plus, this project requires minimal tools and minimal effort – it is so easy, even your children can help you. Prior to beginning your new project, be sure to have the following tools on hand:

Get Rid of the Old Stuff
With these tools on hand, you are now ready to remove your old hardware. Be sure to unscrew each cabinet knob entirely before removing so that you do not cause accidental or unnecessary damage to the wood or plastic cabinet front piece. Before you throw these items into the trash, however, consider donating them to another home (if they are in good condition, of course). If you are not prepared to host a yard sale, auction them off online on eBay.com or even craigslist.org; your home renovation project just might inspire another family to update their cabinets with your trash-turned-treasure.

Shop Around for Sizes
Now is your chance to update the out-dated décor with new bathroom cabinet knobs (or any room, really). Consider what size handles, knobs and pulls you already have in your bathroom. Are some drawers harder to open, certain cabinet handles harder to grasp? Changing the size of your cabinet hardware might make life easier. But before you purchase tons of hardware in one size, you should buy a few various sizes to test out just in case. Larger sized cabinet handles in close proximity with one another could end up just cluttering an area and not making it any easier, such as in your kitchen.

Create a Colorful EffectOnce you have decided on what sizes work best for which locations, you should also consider changing the color or finish of your kitchen cabinet knobs. Traditional cabinet knobs are available in a variety of finishes such as oil rubbed, satin, matte, weathered and polished. Additionally, each knob can be of a different metal such as chrome, brass, iron, pewter, nickel, bronze and copper. For the bold homeowner, try mixing and matching to create a unique look in your home.

Try a New Style Combination
Replacing your cabinet knobs does not just include removing and installing fresh, new knobs but rather creating a new look and feel. One contemporary renovation style includes mixing cabinet knobs according to the layout of the room. Cabinets and drawers below the waist are adorned with darkest finishes-such as matte nickels or bronzes. Next, mid to waist level drawers feature a lighter shade of handles like a copper or brass with a weathered finish. Finally, the highest shelving units and cabinets should feature the lightest colored finishes and metals. Creating this layered look keeps the eye moving upwards; if the look was reversed, the eyes would lock in on the dark finishes at the ceilings and never even glance at the floor-level handles. Remember to purchase corresponding hinges and screws so that your newly renovated area is complete, without mismatching accessories. The easiest way to avoid this decorating disaster is to write down a count of how many cabinets you have, what finishes and what metals; you’ll stay organized and create the flawless look of your cabinetry in any room in your home.

By Jennifer Akre

I can’t decide which chocolate I want, so how do I decide on a cabinet knob?

If it’s time for you to freshen up your kitchen, you don’t have to start tearing out cabinets and pulling out the kitchen sink. You can buy a can of paint and to freshen and change the entire look of the room-make it richer with a deep color, or lighten it up with bright white or soft ivory.

Aside from painting the cabinets, which is a big, bold move, you can finish off a fresh now look for the kitchen with the right cabinet hardware. Choosing a new cabinet knob is like choosing the right piece of jewelry for an outfit. It enhances what’s already there, and it makes a statement on its own. Just as selecting your jewelry is a personal statement, so can the choices about the cabinet knobs you select when refreshing your home.

Where do you begin? Traditional styles come in styles with clean lines and no frills, or filigreed and embossed with geometric shapes, florals and vines, beads and ropes. Add a backplate to a simple knob and you’ve built traditional character into your cabinets. Maybe a ring pull or a tassel would be a good choice if you want to go with something other than the familiar cabinet knob.

If you prefer contemporary styles, there’s a world of ideas out there. Sleek geometry plays a big role in contemporary designs, so look for a cabinet knob in shapes like spheres, cubes, eggs, cylinders, cones, hoops, and swirls. If you prefer to soften the look of sharp geometric hardware, you can choose something other than a bright finish. Consider a softer metallic like brushed silver or matte iron, or in a warm color like copper or bronze.

If you’re looking for a cabinet knob in color, you’ve got lots of options. Granite, marble, glass, plastic, resin and even semi-precious stone are available in so many colors that you you’re bound to find the right mix for the new look for your kitchen. Want a little bling? Look for a cabinet knob with embedded rhinestones. Blend in or stand out-it’s your choice.

When you choose a cabinet knob, and you’ve got your design pinned down, consider the size of the cabinet doors and drawers before you buy. The scale of the knob is important for looks. You can buy matching knobs in different sizes to accommodate the different size drawer fronts and doors.

Before you make a final decision, consider the profile of the knob. A substantial sphere-shaped knob in granite makes a design statement, but what if it extends into the space that a drawer needs to clear when you open it? Is the cabinet knob easy for little hands to grab? Are Grandpa’s arthritic fingers able to grasp the knob? If you’ve got a linebacker for a nephew, can he slide his oversized fingers between the knob and the door? You want him to unload the dishwasher, don’t you? He’s got to be able to open the doors.

When you replace a cabinet knob, take a look at the length of the screws provided by the manufacturer. If they the same width or thicker, you’re in good shape. They’ll fit in the existing holes in the drawer fronts and doors, or you can drill the screw holes a little wider if you need to. Are the screws long enough to clear a raised panel? You’d hate to find your selection doesn’t fit after you bring them home. Do a little homework before you buy and you won’t be disappointed later.

Cabinet Knobs – Flower Themes For Spring

By Jennifer Akre

If you are looking for a quick way to add color and freshen up your home when spring approaches consider making small changes that can have a big impact on the room. Changing out the knobs on your cabinets is an easy but very effective way to bring color and a fresh look into the room.

You can also change them out on your kitchen, bathroom, and any other cabinets in the house as well. It’s a quick and relatively inexpensive way to make a big visual change to a room.

There are a wide variety of cabinet knobs available at your local hardware stores and also available online; but there are a few things you might want to consider before making your final purchase.

Size of Knob

When shopping for new cabinet knobs don’t necessarily look for ones that match the size of your existing ones. Think about selecting new versions that are slightly larger than the ones you have; a larger cabinet knob will make more of a visual impact.

Type of Knob

With the wide variety of available cabinet knobs, you will have a great many to choose from. There are ceramic, wooden, metal, and even plastic options available. Be sure that what you select are a good quality.

Size of Screw

If possible, take one of your existing cabinet knobs and its screw with you to the hardware store; this will allow you to measure the existing screw with those of the new ones. Matching the screw size will ensure that your new knobs will be an easy install. If at all possible, try to avoid the need to expand the existing holes for them on the cabinet doors.

Colors

The whole concept of changing the knobs on your cabinets is to bring seasonal color into the room, so don’t be afraid to pick colors that stand out and bring attention to themselves.

If you have white cabinet doors think about vivid red porcelain cabinet knobs, or bright white ceramic options with bright red flowers painted on them. Don’t be afraid to be bold with your choices. The spring season is all about bright colors and making a large impact with seasonal floral colors.

Note: If your cabinets are a dark cherry color you might struggle with selecting an appropriate color of cabinet knob. Consider, instead, selecting a black metal cabinet knob with an intricate floral pattern.

Shopping

Your local Decorative Hardware store will have a wide variety of cabinet knobs for you to choose from. Alternatively, you can shop online; there are several websites devoted simply to cabinets and cabinet hardware. Just remember to be specific about the size of the screw.

This is a great project for someone with little to no DIY knowledge; additionally, changing your cabinet knobs is a fast and easy way to make a great seasonal change to the various cabinets in your home. With a few minutes of effort you can make-over your kitchen, or bathroom cabinets with them.

Helpful Tips When Buying Door Levers

By James A Jackson

An excellent means of updating the look of your home is by choose new door levers. Interestingly, little thought is given to this particular door hardware yet when a more modern, exotic, or interesting lever is installed, it quickly becomes the first thing people see. Today, the vast selection of door handles is not designed simply for functionality but also aesthetics. Manufacturers of door hardware have taken the demand of consumers seriously and in return, created some of the most stunning designs imaginable. Literally any style home, room decorum, or personal preference could be complemented with door levers now being offered on the market.

Before going out to buy just any door lever, it would be important to consider any unique architectural features of the home. Additionally, while the decor of the room would be an important consideration, you also want to focus on choices that would enhance any new decor you might choose in the future, as well as what potential homeowners would be most attracted to if you plan to sell the home within the next few years. Even the door itself would be a factor in the decision-making process in that you want the door lever to blend in with the style.

Typically as you look around, you will discover that door levers, as well as other types of door hardware are broken down by category to include antique, vintage, country, ﻿contemporary, classic, European, etc. However, one category that offers a multitude of possibilities regardless of the architectural features of the home or room decor is transitional. This style incorporates elements of both old and new so the lever designs would blend in beautifully with a period home or an ultra modern home recently built.

Although the aesthetics of door handles and levers are a major part of choosing, be sure the lever provides the needed functionality. For instance, door levers come in both right and left-handed designs, some feature a locking mechanism and some are simply stationary levers used more for appearance. It would also be beneficial to purchase door levers of the same style, material, and finish throughout the home. With this, the lever would complement each room but also provide a cohesive look, which is cleaner.

The material and finish of the door lever will also make a bold statement or provide a more subtle look. Remember, some of the door hardware now being designed and sold is truly a masterpiece. Therefore, if you want a particular room or door to stand out where the door lever actually becomes a focal point, then you would go with something more dramatic. The list of materials and finishes used for door hardware is long but the most popular choices include brushed nickel, antique brass, pewter, and satin stainless steel.

Finally, you want to know your budget prior to starting the shopping journey. After all, knowing the cap of what you can spend would steer you away from more expensive door levers. Just because you may be somewhat limited financially does not mean the level of options would decrease. Manufacturers of door hardware have hundreds and hundreds of different options to fit within any budget while creating a gorgeous door and home without spending a fortune.